Great! Zeiss is officially announcing that they will add CPU on their ZF lenses. As well they are completely reworking and optimizing the 25/2.8 optics formula.
Here's the PR text from zeiss.com:
******
Maximum image quality meets the comfort of automatic control
Carl Zeiss presents a new series of lenses:
ZF.2 for F bayonet
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.11.2009.
Optics specialist Carl Zeiss today announced its introduction of a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU), these new ZEISS lenses support all- important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. These quicker and faster handling capabilities of the ZF.2 lenses are especially useful under hectic shooting conditions.
ZEISS lenses truly come into their own in situations that demand extreme photographic creativity and maximum image quality. Carl Zeiss’ established fixed focal length lenses are known for their high light sensitivity and precise manual handling, leaving the photographer in full control. The new ZF.2 series will be especially interesting for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images combined with the comfort of automatic settings.
Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG: “The ZF.2 lenses are ideal tools for photographers who want to concentrate more on the subject than on their camera equipment. Whether at a wedding, a toddler’s first steps or impressions from faraway countries, these lenses are perfect for photographers who want to capture once-only moments quickly and accurately. These situations demand first-class technology that captures spontaneous actions without too much effort and delivers fantastic images each time.”
The ZF.2 lenses are available in eight focal lengths, six of which will be available from the end of November: 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/35, 1,4/50, 2/50 and 1,4/85. The Distagon T* 2/28 ZF.2 and macro Planar T* 2/100 ZF.2 will be introduced in Spring 2010. “We are currently completely reworking and optimizing the Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF. As a result, it will be available for other mounts somewhat later,“ says Klottig.
The prices for these new lenses will lie between EUR 545 and EUR 1.386 (excluding VAT). With the new ZF.2 series, Carl Zeiss extends its acclaimed ZF family of lenses, for which there is still high demand and possibly long waiting times.
“We will offer the ZF series as long as the demand lasts,” stresses Klottig.
HerbChong wrote:
that's called the dollar is weak and shows every sign of getting weaker for a while yet.
Herb...
Not only due to the weak dollar, the world has learned it lesson not to trust or depend on the dollar too heavily, it has now change its standard to a basket of currencies and minerals like gold, silver, copper...oil, uranium, and rare earth minerals.
I recently noticed that the price of certain products used to be base on the dollar now are base on a basket of currencies. Take Canon for example the EOS 7D can be had cheaper if bought in Asia.
Now...the gold rush has began in Asia where lots of minerals are found...Umm...I meant those found in electronic products like silicon, gold and silver wire bonds.
This is the same price pattern we saw a while ago with Nikon lenses.
At some point this slow rise in camera gear, while everything else like computers TVs and fridges go down ... makes me feel gouged.
The dollar prices are valid to a degree - but notice that while Canon sold less, they made more this last statement. That means that they are jacking in extra profit, knowing it will fly under the radar and people thinking it is ALL due to the dollar.
At what point do the prices become Leica like and absurd?
Nov 20, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Pavel wrote:
This is the same price pattern we saw a while ago with Nikon lenses.
At some point this slow rise in camera gear, while everything else like computers TVs and fridges go down ... makes me feel gouged.
The dollar prices are valid to a degree - but notice that while Canon sold less, they made more this last statement. That means that they are jacking in extra profit, knowing it will fly under the radar and people thinking it is ALL due to the dollar.
At what point do the prices become Leica like and absurd?
eNoBlog wrote:
It will be interesting to see how much better IQ these produce. Somehow I doubt the high price$ will be justified.
There will be no difference in IQ between these and the originals. These are updated mechanically only to have the aperture controlled from the body or via the ring. The originals were aperture ring only.
Pavel wrote:
Yup. Except for the 25 - which will be a complete redesign.
Zeiss' words are, "We are currently completely reworking and optimizing the Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF. As a result, it will be available for other mounts somewhat later,"
I hope they don't change the ZF 25mm too much, it's currently one of my favorite lenses. There is only a couple areas where it could possibly be improved, and I hope that improving them doesn't sacrifice the excellent characteristics of the lens.
